Benedictine Ravens Football gearing up for what they hope is a bigger 2026 season

ATCHISON, Kan. (KQTV) -- After a 12-2 2025 season that saw the Ravens flying to the NAIA Semifinals, the team is looking to bounce back in a big way for 2026.

Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Joel Osborn is back for his sixth year with the Ravens.

"We start with a bang right away. Three of our first four opponents are teams that are probably going to be ranked in the top 12 based on last year's performances," Osborn said.

They are opening the season against No. 8 Morningside University (Iowa) on the road, then in week four they go back on the road after their first home game to take on No. 1-ranked Grand View University, which bounced the Ravens from the postseason in a narrow victory.

"It's going to be a challenge right away, and some sense of urgency has to be there. At the same time, we can't get panicked because we're young, and in some areas, we've got to continue to stay with our guys."

Staying with players who have grown up in the system, like senior safety Dylan Witherspoon. Witherspoon was a captain in 2025 and a first-team All-Conference safety.

Witherspoon is continuing that leadership and feeling great about what his team has shown so far early in the 2026 season preparation.

"On the defensive side, I feel like we've returned a lot of veteran guys in the backfield. So we're communicating at a really high level," Witherspoon shared. "(It's just the first day of camp and we're) executing very well. And then with the new pieces up front, I feel like they're coming in right away, hitting the ground running and, you know, not making any mistakes for the first day."

Other players Coach Osborn spoke on were Junior Isaiah Hasten, who is preparing to play both sides of the ball again in 2026. What may seem like a chore for some in picking up extra work is a way to show true passion for Hasten.

"It's a little more learning. I got to learn both plays for offense and defense. But the benefit is I get to stay on the field longer. I get to be involved in more plays, and that's just what I love about football," Hasten told KQ2. "So the more I can be involved in the game, the better for me. It's, I feel like I can make a difference on a lot of plays."

For the full 2026 Benedictine Football schedule, team news and more, click here.